upon_o your_o conversion_n from_o your_o sin_n must_v you_o not_o stay_v some_o considerable_a time_n to_o try_v by_o your_o action_n whether_o your_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n be_v sincere_a or_o no_o yes_o if_o you_o can_v trust_v yourself_o you_o have_v best_o so_o to_o do_v if_o you_o be_v in_o doubt_n of_o it_o you_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o mock_v god_n but_o if_o after_o a_o thorough_a search_n and_o examination_n of_o yourself_o you_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o you_o be_v real_o begin_v a_o new_a life_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v persevere_v in_o it_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n then_o why_o you_o shall_v not_o come_v come_v to_o he_o that_o refresh_v such_o as_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v come_v to_o he_o who_o have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o to_o will_v according_a to_o his_o good_a purpose_n will_v infallible_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thy_o own_o fault_n work_n in_o thou_o to_o do_v likewise_o and_o so_o finish_v the_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v happy_o and_o gracious_o begin_v in_o thou_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o new_a convert_v to_o christianity_n without_o any_o time_n of_o trial_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v act_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o whole_a three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v there_o mention_v immediate_o after_o their_o conversion_n continue_v in_o break_v of_o bread_n that_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n that_o real_o think_v a_o true_a change_n of_o mind_n wrought_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o present_o upon_o his_o assurance_n of_o such_o a_o change_n from_o a_o honest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o himself_o hope_v that_o he_o be_v a_o fit_a guest_n for_o our_o lord_n table_n especial_o consider_v how_o kind_o the_o prodigal_a son_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o treat_v by_o his_o father_n even_o immediate_o upon_o his_o return_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v man_n to_o be_v very_o faithful_a to_o themselves_o in_o this_o weighty_a business_n of_o self_n examination_n they_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o can_v suffer_v by_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o high_o stand_v they_o in_o stead_n so_o to_o judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o not_o light_o and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o dissembler_n with_o god_n but_o so_o that_o they_o may_v come_v holy_a and_o clean_a to_o such_o a_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o the_o marriage_n garment_n require_v by_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v receive_v as_o worthy_a partaker_n of_o that_o holy_a table_n chap._n iii_o of_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o detain_v you_o with_o a_o long_a account_n how_o the_o primitive_a christian_n communicate_v at_o at_o first_o twice_o a_o day_n then_o daily_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n and_o at_o length_n never_o seldome_a than_o once_o a_o week_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n while_n in_o its_o infancy_n and_o under_o persecution_n require_v then_o a_o more_o frequent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o comfort_v of_o its_o member_n and_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n than_o now_o when_o it_o be_v well_o grow_v and_o general_o spread_v and_o have_v get_v help_n and_o advantage_n from_o secular_a interest_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o this_o point_n circumstance_n have_v much_o vary_v between_o their_o time_n and_o we_o can_v be_v a_o exact_a rule_n to_o we_o however_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v very_o fair_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v frequent_a in_o this_o duty_n though_o not_o so_o frequent_a as_o they_o be_v but_o that_o which_o it_o principal_o 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particular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o can_v answer_v it_o either_o to_o god_n our_o saviour_n our_o brethren_n or_o ourselves_o if_o we_o at_o any_o time_n neglect_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o can_v we_o doubt_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v high_o displease_v to_o god_n if_o when_o he_o call_v we_o together_o to_o give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o he_o in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n for_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o at_o any_o time_n unthankful_o refuse_v to_o come_v do_v we_o think_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n can_v take_v it_o well_o at_o our_o hand_n if_o when_o he_o by_o his_o minister_n invite_v we_o to_o commemorate_v his_o love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o we_o at_o any_o time_n turn_v our_o back_n upon_o he_o as_o those_o who_o think_v he_o not_o worthy_a our_o remembrance_n be_v we_o afraid_a that_o we_o shall_v give_v too_o much_o countenance_n to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o always_o appear_v upon_o this_o occasion_n or_o that_o the_o church_n will_v grow_v too_o strong_a by_o our_o thus_o often_o become_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n or_o do_v we_o suspect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o gainer_n by_o our_o constant_a communicate_v in_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n methinks_v i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o ask_v such_o question_n as_o these_o oh_o with_o what_o joy_n ought_v we_o to_o run_v to_o our_o lord_n table_n when_o ever_o we_o behold_v it_o spread_v for_o we_o how_o ought_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o heavenly_a food_n there_o prepare_v for_o we_o to_o transport_v and_o delight_v we_o how_o much_o more_o eager_o ought_v we_o to_o embrace_v every_o opportunity_n of_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n confirm_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o everlasting_a life_n renew_v to_o we_o than_o of_o heap_v up_o riches_n honour_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a good_a and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v careful_a enough_o to_o let_v slip_v none_o of_o these_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v certain_o there_o be_v sometime_o when_o a_o man_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o from_o communicate_v some_o reason_n which_o will_v excuse_v his_o absence_n and_o every_o time_n of_o stay_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o sure_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o excuse_n which_o will_v avail_v in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o few_o that_o which_o be_v common_o make_v of_o want_n of_o time_n for_o particular_a preparation_n i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v insufficient_a in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o i_o know_v of_o none_o that_o will_v hold_v good_a but_o these_o three_o first_o in_o some_o parish_n the_o number_n of_o communicant_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a that_o they_o can_v possible_o communicate_v all_o at_o one_o time_n at_o least_o not_o with_o any_o tolerable_a conveniency_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o good_a man_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o give_v way_n and_o make_v room_n for_o other_o who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o when_o we_o do_v absent_a ourselves_o upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v real_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o this_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o consult_v our_o minister_n about_o it_o who_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o it_o may_v sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n just_a before_o the_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n by_o some_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v occasion_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o some_o gross_a and_o enormous_a sin_n and_o not_o have_v time_n enough_o between_o that_o and_o the_o administration_n of_o
of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v we_o shall_v be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o have_v the_o same_o strength_n and_o nourishment_n convey_v unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o outward_a symbol_n bread_n and_o wine_n convey_v to_o our_o body_n we_o be_v make_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o and_o nothing_o but_o our_o own_o wilful_a disobedience_n shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o part_v we_o more_o from_o he_o this_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v fair_o sum_v up_o in_o these_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n it_o be_v a_o foederal_n feast_n or_o feast_n of_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o perpetual_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o christian_n where_o by_o partake_v of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n body_n give_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o they_o they_o on_o their_o part_n acknowledge_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n lord_n and_o master_n and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n grant_n and_o confirm_v to_o they_o under_o the_o symbol_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v viz._n pardon_v of_o past_a sin_n promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o future_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o grace_n to_o direct_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v this_o obedience_n and_o this_o feast_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n at_o supper_n time_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v our_o obligation_n to_o receive_v this_o holy_a supper_n do_v abundant_o appear_v for_o first_o we_o have_v here_o a_o plain_a command_n so_o to_o do_v do_v this_o in_o nomembrance_n of_o i_o a_o command_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v you_o which_o reach_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o will_v oblige_v they_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v mere_a trifle_n with_o god_n our_o saviour_n and_o the_o world_n to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o a_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o this_o plain_a command_n of_o christ_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v to_o what_o purpose_n do_v you_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v your_o master_n and_o yet_o when_o i_o call_v upon_o you_o to_o do_v this_o plain_o declare_v by_o your_o action_n that_o you_o do_v not_o regard_v i_o better_a have_v it_o be_v for_o you_o that_o you_o have_v never_o take_v my_o sacred_a name_n into_o your_o mouth_n than_o that_o you_o shall_v thus_o abuse_v and_o blaspheme_v it_o be_v not_o deceive_v i_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sydon_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o second_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n which_o do_v every_o one_o of_o they_o very_o much_o add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o obligation_n and_o render_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o more_o and_o more_o unpardonable_a for_o first_o it_o be_v his_o die_a command_n that_o very_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o institute_v this_o holy_a supper_n be_v he_o betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o order_n to_o be_v mock_v and_o deride_v buffet_v and_o scourge_v and_o at_o last_o sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o can_v our_o die_a saviour_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o that_o we_o will_v not_o do_v can_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v not_o his_o last_o word_n be_v mind_v by_o we_o what_o answer_n do_v you_o think_v you_o shall_v have_v give_v he_o have_v you_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o you_o my_o dear_a child_n who_o i_o love_v so_o well_o who_o misery_n i_o be_o so_o deep_o concern_v for_o who_o sin_n i_o be_o so_o very_o desirous_a to_o get_v a_o pardon_n for_o that_o behold_v i_o be_o just_a now_o go_v to_o die_v a_o ignominious_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o you_o that_o so_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o myself_o i_o may_v take_v away_o all_o your_o sin_n and_o make_v you_o heir_n of_o eternal_a glory_n my_o best_a and_o dear_a child_n dear_a to_o i_o than_o my_o life_n itself_o harken_v to_o the_o last_o word_n of_o your_o die_a saviour_n i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o require_v of_o you_o oh_o let_v not_o that_o be_v neglect_v by_o you_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o with_o my_o last_o breath_n that_o breath_n which_o i_o be_o content_v to_o part_v with_o for_o your_o sake_n to_o preserve_v this_o my_o last_o commandment_n inviolable_a i_o will_v you_o not_o all_o have_v say_v distrust_v we_o not_o o_o bless_a master_n we_o beseech_v thou_o command_v whatsoever_o thou_o see_v good_a and_o we_o will_v cheerful_o obey_v though_o it_o be_v even_o to_o death_n itself_o our_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o approach_a kindness_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o forget_v thy_o die_a word_n than_o we_o can_v refuse_v to_o accept_v thy_o die_a love_n second_o it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a command_n take_v bread_n and_o wine_n bless_v they_o and_o then_o eat_v and_o drink_v of_o they_o â—n_n remembrance_n of_o i_o be_v a_o commanndment_n as_o little_a grievous_a as_o our_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o so_o that_o they_o â—…ho_o neglect_v it_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o but_o seem_v to_o sin_v pure_o for_o sinning_n sake_n â—nd_v this_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o wickedness_n bless_a god_n â—hat_n ever_o the_o devil_n shall_v so_o far_o get_v possession_n of_o man_n â—_z as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n even_o â—…here_o there_o be_v no_o hardship_n in_o do_v it_o how_o can_v â—hese_fw-mi man_n in_o reason_n expect_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v â—e_v at_o any_o pain_n to_o save_v they_o who_o be_v resolve_v they_o â—…ill_v be_v at_o none_o to_o obey_v he_o or_o rather_o how_o can_v â—hey_n not_o expect_v to_o be_v make_v the_o unhappy_a instance_n of_o â—is_n wrathful_a displeasure_n who_o will_v not_o do_v even_o this_o â—mall_a thing_n to_o please_v he_o three_o this_o be_v a_o command_n in_o which_o our_o obedience_n to_o â—hrist_n be_v more_o peculiar_o try_v in_o most_o other_o of_o his_o â—_z there_o be_v other_o obligation_n beside_o those_o â—f_n his_o authority_n as_o in_o all_o moral_a duty_n obligation_n â—rom_o nature_n reason_n or_o the_o like_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o â—ery_o easy_a to_o tell_v by_o man_n compliance_n with_o these_o â—…hether_o they_o be_v true_a servant_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o because_o they_o may_v nay_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o sometime_o â—o_o comply_v with_o these_o duty_n upon_o 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by_o the_o mere_a â—aws_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o perform_v for_o suppose_v christ_n have_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o any_o thing_n but_o have_v only_o request_v of_o we_o that_o we_o will_v perpetual_o observe_v this_o his_o supper_n in_o commemoration_n of_o he_o yet_o consider_v whaâ—_n great_a unspeakable_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v most_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v answer_v this_o his_o request_n the_o law_n oâ—_n love_n and_o gratitude_n be_v found_v upon_o reason_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o certain_o all_o that_o love_n and_o gratitude_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o we_o must_v be_v
oblige_v to_o in_o behalf_n of_o he_o who_o have_v do_v more_o to_o engage_v our_o love_n and_o deserve_v our_o thanks_o than_o all_o the_o friend_n that_o we_o ever_o have_v in_o the_o world_n put_v together_o base_a and_o ungrateful_a wretch_n than_o must_v we_o needs_o be_v if_o when_o he_o only_o desire_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o make_v haste_n to_o fulfil_v his_o desire_n but_o most_o especial_o base_a and_o ungrateful_a if_o when_o he_o desire_v of_o we_o only_o that_o we_o will_v meet_v together_o now_o and_o then_o to_o commemorate_v all_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v or_o regard_v he_o as_o though_o he_o be_v unworthy_a our_o remembrance_n five_o this_o be_v a_o command_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n vast_o for_o our_o own_o good_a so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v fool_n as_o well_o as_o rebel_n if_o we_o omit_v to_o do_v it_o of_o how_o much_o advantage_n the_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o every_o faithful_a christian_n you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o from_o thence_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o it_o be_v your_o interest_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o certain_o where_o your_o duty_n and_o your_o interest_n be_v so_o close_o link_v together_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o rebellion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o strange_a degree_n of_o carelessness_n and_o supineness_n that_o can_v make_v you_o forget_v or_o neglect_v your_o duty_n you_o must_v have_v a_o mighty_a mind_n certain_o to_o quarrel_v with_o our_o saviour_n who_o will_v rather_o forego_v your_o own_o interest_n then_o obey_v his_o command_n six_o this_o be_v a_o command_n in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n concern_v and_o which_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o particular_o careful_a to_o observe_v for_o since_o the_o holy_a supper_n be_v institute_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o great_a love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o redeem_v we_o and_o for_o show_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n their_o great_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n 〈◊〉_d the_o redemption_n of_o we_o and_o likewise_o the_o new_a title_n â—…ey_v hereby_o acquire_v to_o our_o service_n and_o obedience_n â—…e_n can_v possible_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o for_o their_o hoâ—our_n than_o to_o attend_v this_o solemn_a commemoration_n â—nd_v join_v with_o our_o fellow_n christian_n in_o acknowledge_v â—ll_a glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o have_v â—aved_v we_o not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o â—wn_a purpose_n and_o grace_n and_o have_v buy_v we_o with_o a_o price_n â—nd_v likewise_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v slay_v and_o â—as_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o refuse_v to_o â—o_o this_o look_n as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v christiaâ—ity_n but_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o we_o â—re_n sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o how_o high_a a_o affront_n â—his_v must_v needs_o be_v to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n your_o own_o heart_n will_v tell_v you_o seven_o this_o be_v a_o command_n which_o tend_v mighty_o to_o procure_v and_o promote_v love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n as_o have_v â—een_n before_o prove_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n challenge_v a_o very_a particular_a regard_n and_o respect_n from_o we_o every_o member_n of_o a_o society_n be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manâ—er_n oblige_v to_o pay_v a_o most_o exact_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o well-being_a of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o he_o profess_v himself_o â—_o member_n and_o consequent_o every_o christian_n must_v â—ye_z under_o more_o than_o ordinary_a obligation_n to_o obey_v â—his_n command_v of_o christ_n concern_v his_o supper_n because_o the_o good_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o general_n be_v very_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v design_v and_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o unite_v and_o bind_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n close_o and_o close_o together_o and_o so_o to_o strengthen_v the_o main_a body_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v â—n_v this_o design_n plain_o betray_v the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a defraud_v all_o their_o fellow-member_n of_o those_o blessing_n of_o love_n peace_n mutual_a friendship_n etc._n etc._n which_o must_v have_v be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o this_o point_n last_o this_o be_v a_o command_n which_o we_o be_v often_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o we_o hear_v of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o both_o from_o the_o desk_n and_o from_o the_o pulpit_n we_o read_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n catechism_n and_o have_v a_o sensible_a remembrance_n of_o they_o every_o now_o and_o then_o at_o the_o communion_n table_n we_o be_v frequent_o exhort_v entreat_v and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n command_v to_o attend_v his_o holy_a supper_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o and_o both_o the_o mercy_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o draw_v and_o compel_v we_o to_o it_o and_o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o undutiful_a what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o a_o punishment_n answerable_a to_o our_o obstinacy_n a_o punishment_n that_o shall_v no_o more_o relent_v than_o we_o have_v do_v but_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o cry_n for_o mercy_n shall_v with_o the_o same_o continue_a torment_n prey_n upon_o we_o and_o be_v to_o we_o the_o sad_a remembrancer_n of_o our_o fatal_a obstinacy_n to_o all_o eternity_n chap._n ii_o of_o preparation_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o discourse_v on_o this_o head_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a from_o the_o very_a beginning_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o necessary_a preparation_n without_o which_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o such_o as_o be_v only_o expedient_a or_o adviseable_a under_o certain_a circumstance_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o experience_n that_o for_o want_n of_o this_o distinction_n man_n have_v be_v strange_o confound_v in_o their_o notion_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o necessary_a preparation_n no_o doubt_n those_o word_n of_o st_n paul_n refer_v corinth_n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v try_v or_o prove_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n because_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o at_o large_a as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v here_o plain_o suppose_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n who_o have_v not_o first_o examine_v himself_o examine_v himself_o as_o to_o what_o our_o church_n tell_v we_o in_o few_o word_n whither_o he_o repent_v he_o true_o of_o his_o former_a sin_n steadfast_o purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n with_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o men._n in_o which_o word_n three_o thing_n be_v propound_v as_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n first_o a_o sincere_a and_o complete_a repentance_n which_o shall_v not_o only_o look_v backward_o with_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a but_o likewise_o forward_o with_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v second_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n such_o a_o firm_a and_o hearty_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o death_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o have_v make_v he_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o shall_v work_v in_o we_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o more_o especial_o shall_v dispose_v we_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n with_o the_o high_a gratitude_n and_o most_o affectionate_a thanksgiving_n last_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o man_n even_o our_o very_a enemy_n and_o make_v we_o not_o only_o forgive_v all_o their_o trespass_n against_o we_o but_o likewise_o bless_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_z in_o one_o word_n do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v now_o that_o every_o of_o these_o be_v real_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n will_v most_o evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v they_o a_o little_a apart_o and_o first_o as_o to_o repentance_n it_o be_v plain_a even_o from_o reason_n that_o without_o this_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v unfit_a to_o join_v
that_o repentance_n faith_n and_o charity_n be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a one_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o certain_o more_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o heaven_n to_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o for_o the_o promise_v themselves_o but_o here_o i_o shall_v be_v ask_v if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o preparation_n necessary_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o have_v so_o many_o sermon_n preach_v and_o book_n write_v about_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n suppose_v a_o week_n for_o private_a devotion_n and_o examination_n every_o time_n before_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o many_o very_a good_a man_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v disturb_v by_o any_o worldly_a business_n so_o that_o they_o can_v attend_v this_o their_o weekly_a preparation_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o unfit_a for_o that_o time_n to_o attend_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o preparation_n though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a yet_o under_o some_o circumstance_n expedient_a and_o adviseable_a where_o man_n have_v time_n and_o other_o opportunity_n it_o be_v very_o commendable_a in_o they_o to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v by_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n and_o by_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v to_o actuate_v and_o quicken_v all_o their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o so_o they_o may_v appear_v in_o their_o best_a robe_n at_o their_o lord_n table_n this_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n as_o can_v fail_v of_o be_v well_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o than_o second_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o carry_v this_o matter_n too_o far_o and_o make_v other_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communicate_v worthy_o beside_o what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o to_o say_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o prayer_n to_o fast_o so_o many_o day_n and_o to_o ask_v ourselves_o just_a so_o many_o question_n before_o we_o communicate_v nor_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o if_o our_o spiritual_a pastor_n have_v put_v we_o upon_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v do_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o good_a advice_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n and_o absolute_a duty_n at_o least_o if_o they_o have_v not_o they_o have_v go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o solemn_o invite_v all_o such_o as_o do_v true_o and_o earnest_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n and_o intend_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n follow_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v from_o henceforth_o in_o his_o holy_a way_n t0_n draw_v near_o with_o faith_n and_o take_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o their_o comfort_n without_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v make_v any_o far_a preparation_n last_o as_o for_o those_o who_o refrain_v from_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o have_v be_v hinder_v frem_a make_v this_o particular_a preparation_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a and_o never_o so_o wise_a in_o other_o thing_n yet_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v they_o not_o for_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o weak_a mind_n and_o not_o of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n for_o man_n to_o make_v to_o themselves_o duty_n which_o god_n and_o reason_n have_v not_o make_v it_o be_v superstition_n and_o not_o religion_n for_o man_n to_o place_v their_o duty_n in_o little_a nicety_n and_o punctilio_n and_o to_o overlook_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o certain_o do_v who_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o great_a and_o important_a duty_n of_o communicate_v pure_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o not_o have_v perform_v some_o little_a form_n and_o exercise_n which_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o other_o man_n imprudent_a discourse_n and_o example_n have_v make_v duty_n beside_o they_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n debar_v themselves_o from_o the_o great_a and_o inexpressible_a benefit_n of_o communicate_v they_o omit_v a_o most_o happy_a occasion_n of_o glorify_v god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o do_v good_a to_o their_o brethren_n and_o themselves_o only_o to_o humour_v groundless_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n nay_o even_o themselves_o at_o other_o time_n condemn_v themselves_o they_o can_v ready_o come_v to_o other_o ordinance_n as_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n without_o any_o such_o preparation_n as_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o commendable_a here_o as_o for_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n we_o may_v hear_v and_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o yet_o this_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v much_o concern_v about_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o matter_n more_o by_o example_n and_o fancy_n than_o reason_n and_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o we_o can_v possible_o by_o any_o preparation_n make_v ourselves_o too_o pure_a and_o devout_a guest_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o have_v opportunity_n it_o will_v high_o become_v we_o by_o prayer_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n to_o trim_v and_o deck_v ourselves_o for_o it_o but_o still_o we_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o the_o great_a and_o only_o necessary_a preparation_n be_v repentance_n faith_n and_o charity_n a_o pure_a innocent_a mind_n a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n in_o christ_n a_o ardent_a and_o impartial_a affection_n to_o our_o brethren_n without_o these_o all_o other_o preparation_n be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o account_n and_o with_o these_o we_o be_v fit_a guest_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n wherever_o we_o meet_v it_o though_o never_o so_o unexpected_o and_o without_o the_o least_o warning_n he_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o these_o divine_a grace_n be_v always_o fit_a without_o any_o further_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o heaven_n and_o then_o undoubted_o fit_a for_o any_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o but_o here_o i_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o a_o man_n can_v know_v hat_n he_o be_v thus_o prepare_v i_o answer_v his_o own_o mind_n must_v tell_v he_o and_z if_o he_o do_v but_o consult_v it_o honest_o and_o with_o sincerity_n it_o will_n no_o body_n but_o himself_o can_v inform_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o temper_n and_o disposition_n in_o firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o his_o sin_n without_o the_o least_o reserve_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n to_o live_v for_o the_o future_a as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v he_o what_o he_o believe_v what_o he_o unfeigned_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a but_o himself_o nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v he_o whether_o he_o hearty_o forgive_v all_o man_n their_o trespass_n and_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o do_v they_o the_o most_o good_a he_o can_v no_o man_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n but_o himself_o and_o he_o may_v know_v it_o if_o he_o be_v faithful_a to_o himself_o otherwise_o we_o be_v in_o vain_a call_v upon_o in_o scripture_n to_o examine_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o thought_n and_o consult_v our_o conscience_n well_o but_o you_o have_v former_o examine_v yourself_o and_o think_v yourself_o right_o dispose_v in_o all_o these_o point_n but_o you_o find_v by_o your_o after-behaviour_n that_o you_o deceive_v yourself_o and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v you_o trust_v yourself_o again_o i_o answer_v the_o more_o sensible_a you_o be_v of_o any_o mistake_n you_o have_v former_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o more_o heedful_a and_o watchful_a over_o yourself_o ought_v you_v to_o be_v for_o the_o future_a it_o may_v be_v your_o heart_n be_v in_o right_a temper_n before_o when_o you_o think_v it_o so_o but_o you_o let_v it_o slide_v back_o afterward_o therefore_o though_o you_o think_v you_o stand_v now_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o fall_v it_o may_v be_v you_o be_v careless_a and_o remiss_a in_o examine_v yourself_o before_o and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o you_o find_v yourself_o mistake_v therefore_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a with_o thyself_o now_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v mistake_v no_o more_o but_o may_v you_o venture_v to_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n immediate_o